Most Indian petrol pumps use underground tanks of 9 to 20 KL, with 45 KL and 70 KL tanks at busy highway outlets. BPCL models run from 8.4 to 70 KL, HPCL from 9 to 35 KL, and IOCL's common sizes are 15 and 20 KL. The full litres to the top are usually a little more than the size in the name.
Common sizes
| Company | Size | Inside diameter | Length | Full to the top |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BPCL | 8.4 KL | 194.3 cm | 299.7 cm | 8,886 L |
| BPCL | 9 KL | 182.9 cm | 365.8 cm | 9,608 L |
| BPCL | 10 KL | 184 to 200 cm | 336.8 to 399 cm | 10,514 to 10,610 L |
| BPCL | 15 KL | 184 or 200 cm | 598 or 496.8 cm | 15,901 or 15,607 L |
| BPCL | 20 KL | 210 or 200 cm | 600 or 671.8 cm | 20,782 or 21,105 L |
| BPCL | 45 KL | 273.8 cm | 825 cm | 48,575 L |
| BPCL | 70 KL | 273.8 cm | 1,300 cm | 76,542 L |
| HPCL | 9 KL | 200 cm | 300 cm | 9,425 L |
| HPCL | 16 KL | 200 cm | 550 cm | 17,279 L |
| HPCL | 22 KL | 227 cm | 600 cm | 24,282 L |
| HPCL | 35 KL | 266 cm | 660.7 cm | 36,716 L |
| IOCL | 15 KL | 194 cm | 525 cm | 15,508 L |
| IOCL | 20 KL | 210 cm | 625 cm | 21,630 L |
IOCL’s figures take off the deadwood printed on its charts.
Size is not the chart
Several sizes come in more than one shape. BPCL alone has three 10 KL tanks, two 15 KL and two 20 KL. The litres at a given dip depend on the diameter and length, so always match your tank’s chart to its model, not just its size. See why same-size tanks differ.
Planning a delivery
Never order more than the space in the tank. Check it with the tank space calculator before the tanker leaves the depot, and keep the safe-fill margin your company sets.
Figures here are for reference. Your oil company’s certified calibration chart, approved instruments and the Marketing Discipline Guidelines always prevail.
Questions
How many litres is 1 KL?
1,000 litres. A 20 KL tank is a 20,000 litre tank by name.
Why does my 20 KL tank's chart go past 20,000 litres?
The size in the name is a round figure. BPCL's 20 KL tanks hold about 20,780 and 21,105 litres to the very top.